BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (April 6, 2026) — Every year, the National Civic League names 10 communities across the United States as All-America Cities. The All-America City Award was built on a belief that has only grown more urgent over time: the future of democracy is local. For over 75 years, communities have earned this recognition not just for what they've accomplished, but for how, by deepening relationships, crossing divides, and turning civic energy into lasting change. Bowling Green-Warren County is officially in the top 20 finalists for the 2026 designation.
“This year's All-America City finalists remind us that the strength of democracy depends on engaged residents who are invested in shaping the future of the places they call home,” said Doug Linkhart, President of the National Civic League. “As the nation marks 250 years since its founding, these communities are proving that civic health is improved block by block, through trust, belonging, and the collective power of people working together.”
The 2026 All-America City theme is connected to America’s 250th, focusing on projects strengthening civic health and public trust. Through a detailed application process highlighting those key elements in The BG 2050 Project, the inaugural Downtown BGKY Ambassadors Academy, and Duncan Hines Days community-wide events, Bowling Green-Warren County was named a finalist. A team of City, BG 2050 Project, and County staff worked together on the application.
“To be part of a community considered a finalist in this competition is an honor. To have a City and County government bring important, impactful programs like these to life together, while creating something that can be replicated to help other communities, is truly special,” said Telia Butler, Downtown Development Coordinator for the City of Bowling Green.
Finalist communities were selected through a competitive, expert-led review process evaluating each across criteria: shared vision, civic engagement, inclusiveness and equity, collaboration, innovation, and impact. The next chapter begins in Denver this June, where community representatives present their work, share its impact, and compete for the nation’s most storied and prestigious community recognition.
The 20 finalist communities, spanning 16 states, range in size from 12,000 residents to nearly 500,000. What unites them across differences of size, geography, and politics, is a deep pride in place and a shared conviction that residents deserve a real voice in the decisions that shape their lives and homes.
Finalist teams will take the stage to present their work to a jury of nationally-recognized civic leaders. Between presentations, attendees will engage in workshops, panel discussions, and peer learning sessions designed to surface actionable insights and spark new ideas. The event culminates in a closing ceremony where this year's All-America Cities will be announced and celebrated. This year’s 20 finalists have distinguished themselves through their commitment to strengthening civic health and building trust:
Bowling Green-Warren County, Kentucky
Chelsea, Massachusetts
Conway, South Carolina
Franklin, Tennessee
Grand Island, Nebraska
Harlingen, Texas
Huntsville, Alabama
Jenks, Oklahoma
Monrovia, California
Montgomery, Alabama
Morrisville, North Carolina
Norfolk, Virginia
North Charleston, South Carolina
Opa-locka, Florida
River Forest, Illinois
Riviera Beach, Florida
Roanoke, Virginia
Stow, Ohio
Wichita, Kansas
Woodburn, Oregon
To find out more about the All-America City Award, visit: https://www.nationalcivicleague.org/america-city-award/.
The City of Bowling Green is also celebrating America’s 250th with fun projects later this spring and summer. You may have noticed the new red, white, and blue BG America 250 banners hanging throughout Downtown. Watch for BG America 250 special projects and summertime event giveaways. More news on that soon.
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